Vera's car catches fire and she flies away (update: 1903/4 Renault?)

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In 1901, three wealthy motorists, Frank Hedges Butler, his daughter Vera and the Hon. Charles Rolls, had proposed a motor tour, but this was cancelled when Vera's Renault 4.5 caught fire. The lady arranged a balloon flight with the distinguished professional aeronaut Stanley Spencer, as a distraction.

Over a glass of champagne during the subsequent voyage, passing near Sidcup in Kent, they agreed that an Aero Club should be formed and after landing this was done without delay. Due no doubt to the presence and personality of Vera Butler, it was uniquely - for the time - agreed that it be open "equally to ladies and gentleman, subject to election". And so The Royal Aero Club was born. Rolls was granted aviator's certificate No. 1 and every weekend, weather permitting, he and his friends would be seen at The Hurlingham Club ready to ascend in balloons.

The picture shows Vera in her second Renault, an 8HP model, in 1902 and you can read her impressions of it HERE. Had she been in London last sunday, she would have been proud to see how the sport of ballooning has blossomed when 40 brightly coloured hot-air balloons drifted across the city at sunrise to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the British Balloon and Airship Club and also raise money for The Lord Mayor's charities.

Text & pictures Robin Batchelor.

Originally published: June 11, 2015

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